Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park provides a unique wilderness experience. Including diverse landscapes such as the Rift Valley soda lake, open grasslands, dense woodlands and stunning mountainsides.
In the north of Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park centres around its eponymous alkaline lake, a key habitat for hundreds of bird species. Between November and April, thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos gather on its shores, along with pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, grey herons and pods of hippo.
Surrounding the lake are marshlands, grassy plains and acacia woodlands, home to tree-climbing lion and long-tusked elephant. Giraffe strut across the grasslands, where herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest graze.
As well as enjoying game drives and walking safaris, you can visit the Maji Moto hot springs to soak in the warm, clear water under the shade of leafy trees.
Lake Manyara is only 90 minutes from Arusha by car and easy to combine with a safari in the Serengeti, Tarangire or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Lake Manyara
The NCA is a year-round destination, though birders may want to visit when the migratory birds are in the area and photographers, around the rains, when the landscape tends to be more photogenic.
The NCA has a mild, temperate climate. Due to the altitude, it’s possible for night-time temperatures to drop below freezing. Even during the day, the crater never gets very hot, so make sure to bring layers.
January to March
The scenery is lush and green after the short rains. January and February are fairly dry. Migratory birds, including the flamingos, are in the area at this time.
This is the hottest time of year in Lake Manyara National Park, with an average high of 28°C/82°F. The average low is 15°C/59°F. There may be a few showers in January and February with the long rains beginning in March.
Lake Manyara Climate
Species of Lake Manyara National Park
Abundant bird species
Elephant
Giraffe
Hippo
Buffalo
Zebra
Wildebeest
Hyena
